Theoretical Physics - Physics at Lancaster University

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Research at Lancaster The fact that the lecturers are active in their research means that they have a real passion for what they are teaching, and can explain how it fits into what they do. The laboratory work is a great example of this, where world-leading researchers teach you the methods they use every day. Gareth Davies, currently studying MPhys Physics. We carry out cutting edge research at the international level across a variety of different areas of interest. The Department was ranked number 1 in the country in the last national research assessment (RAE 2008), confirming the international excellence of our research. Our staff are very research active and publish regularly in high impact, peer-reviewed scientific and specialist journals. They regularly give invited talks and present the results of their work at international conferences and symposia all over the world. In addition our lecturing and research staff include several world authorities and the Department has achieved a number of world firsts in key research areas. As a Lancaster student you will benefit from this not only through the range of optional courses and research projects which we provide in the 3rd and 4th years, but also from well-informed and enthusiastic staff. You may decide that you would like to become a research student yourself after you graduate from your degree. Research in physics is essential to gain new insights and understanding of matter and the Universe, in order to make technological advancements and improve the quality of life in society. We have a range of opportunities available and encourage promising students to stay on in the Department and undertake PhD (research) degrees. The following provides a flavour of our current research, most of which has strong international links. In addition to the work done within our main research groups, there is also much cross-group activity. This brings together the leading complementary expertise from widely differing areas of physics in order to address important problems. Examples of such topics include non-linear dynamics and chaos; cosmological experiments in liquid helium; and the development of gallium arsenide particle detectors. We are also involved in many interdisciplinary areas including the biological, chemical and medical interfaces. Space Plasma Physics Research in this area investigates the physics of our local space environment - the region from the surface of the Sun to the edge of the solar system. We collaborate with international research organisations, including ESA and NASA, to study the role that plasma processes have in electromagnetically coupling the planets (and other bodies) in our solar system. This work offers insights into the physics that drives breath-taking natural phenomena such as the aurora borealis, shields delicate planetary atmospheres like the Earth's from the onslaught of the solar wind and powers a complex system of electrical currents throughout the solar system. We employ space- and ground-based experiments, as well as computer simulations, to explore this strange and exciting environment. The most rewarding experiences during my time at Lancaster took place in the lab. I entered into my physics degree with the hope of a more practical orientation. I wasn’t disappointed. Lancaster’s outstanding reputation for research does not go unfounded. Low temperature physics, an area Lancaster is particularly famous for, has captured my interest in and out of the lab. From the Meissner effect through to quantum turbulence, every area has been extremely enjoyable. My passion for this subject has resulted finally in a PhD at Lancaster. Above all the most enjoyable part of being at Lancaster must be working with a world leading set of academics. The inspiration that comes from being in such proximity to some of the leading minds in your field is unmatched. George Foulds, MPhys Physics, graduated in 2010 and will become a PhD student in Experimental Condensed Matter Physics at Lancaster. Research work from his undergraduate project was recently presented at a national conference on semiconductors. 28 www.lancs.ac.uk/depts/physics
Prof. G.R. Pickett FRS preparing for an ultra-low temperature experiment www.lancs.ac.uk/depts/physics One of the dilution refrigerators we use to study the quantum properties of helium at ultra-low temperatures. 29
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